POK is Part of India; it will voluntarily return to Our Mainstream: India's Rajnath Singh
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
"Make-in-India is an essential component in our national security and it played a key role in India's effective action against terrorism during Operation Sindoor," India's Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh has said.
Rajnath Singh told industry captains on May 29, 2025, that through the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme Execution Model, the private sector will get an opportunity to participate in a mega defence project along with public sector companies for the first time. "This will further bolster indigenous defence capabilities."
The defence minister addressed the Inaugural Plenary of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit in New Delhi. He termed the Execution Model for the AMCA programme to build 5th-generation fighter aircraft in India "a bold and decisive step," taking the domestic aerospace sector to greater heights. "Under the AMCA project, the plan is to develop five prototypes, followed by series production. It is a key milepost in the history of the Make-in-India programme," he said.
Highlighting the success of Make-in-India during Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian armed forces would not have been able to take effective action against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) if the nation had not strengthened its indigenous defence capabilities.
He described Make-in-India as crucial for security and prosperity, stating that the use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has proved that India has the power to penetrate the enemy's armour. "We destroyed the terrorist hideouts and then the military bases. We could have done a lot more, but we presented a great example of coordination of power and restraint," he said.
The defence minister asserted that India has redesigned and redefined its strategy and response against terrorism. "Pakistan has realised that running the business of terrorism is not cost-effective; rather, it may have to pay a heavy price."
Rajnath Singh added that India has recalibrated its engagement and scope of dialogue with Pakistan, and now talks will only be held on terrorism and PoK. He again made it clear that PoK is a part of India, and the people who got geographically and politically separated will, sooner or later, voluntarily return to India.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to its resolve of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.' Most of the people in PoK have a deep connection with India. There are only a few who have been misled," he said.
The defence minister emphasised that the government has prioritised policy clarity, indigenisation, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy. The success of these efforts can be ensured only when all the stakeholders, including innovators, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, become strong partners in this national mission.
He exhorted the Indian industry to focus on national interests, more than company interests. "If securing company interests is your karma, safeguarding national interests is your dharma," he said.
Sharing his views on the summit theme 'Building Trust and India First,' Rajnath Singh stated that it is a matter of great pride that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the fourth-largest economy.
"It is not just a matter of the economy's size growing; it is also about the world's ever-increasing trust in India and its trust in itself. Today, India is not just a consumer of defence technology, but has also become a producer and exporter. When the world approaches us for high-end defence systems, it is not just a market indication, it is a respect for our capability," he said.
The defence minister highlighted the important role played by the defence sector in India's growth journey by enumerating the feats achieved due to the government initiatives in the last decade.
"10-11 years ago, our defence production was approximately INR43,000 crore. Today, it has crossed the record figure of INR1,46,000 crore, with a contribution of over INR32,000 crore by the private sector.
"Our defence exports of INR600 crore to INR700 crore 10 years ago have surpassed a record figure of INR24,000 crore today. Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services have reached around 100 countries.
"Over 16,000 MSMEs associated with the defence sector have become the backbone of the supply chain. These companies are not only strengthening our self-reliance journey, but are also providing employment to lakhs of people,” he said.
Rajnath Singh added that today, India is producing fighter aircraft and missile systems and is getting ready for New Age Warfare Technology. "We are continuously making headway even in frontier technologies. Our progress in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security is being recognised globally. India has the potential to become a development hub for engineering, high precision manufacturing, and future technologies," he said.
Dubbing the Indian industry as the carrier of the nation's collective aspirations, the defence minister said that only the government-industry common efforts and synergy can make India develop by 2047.
He stressed that, in present times, the nation's strength is not evaluated just by its economic index, like GDP, foreign investment, or export figures; it also depends on the confidence a country can inspire in its citizens and the global community.
"Trust lasts only when a country has the confidence that it can protect its geopolitical interests, ensure the safety of its citizens, and remain stable in the face of future uncertainties. The nation's morale remains high only when it knows that its today is secure, and tomorrow is safe," he added.
(Courtesy: Defence.Capital)
